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Monday, July 30, 2012

Let’s turn Chick Fil-A Day into You Can Play Day

Several weeks ago when I first read Chick Fil-A CEO, Dan Cathy’s interview with Baptist Press where he expressed his beliefs about traditional marriage, I told the wife that the gauntlet had been thrown down and that an uproar was forthcoming.

For the record, his quote was stated as follows:

"We are very much supportive of the family - the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”

"We operate as a family business ... our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that."

"We intend to stay the course. We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."

As Americans, we can all agree to support everyone’s first amendment right to speak their opinion (including Cathy’s) but we have to be realistic enough to realize that when we speak openly on topics that not everyone agrees on, backlash will ensue.

Cathy appears to be a shrewd businessman and has put his integrity and beliefs before worshiping the almighty dollar which is commendable these days.

Unfortunately, what has resulted is heightening of the great devide between Bible thumpin’ “Christians” and those who oppose bigotry based on sexual orientation, which goes well beyond those of the LGBT community.

As we sit in the year 2012, anyone who does not have gay friends, co-workers, and acquantences is either blind or living with their heads in the sand (or up their a__).

There are many “Christian” couples that have good marriages as well as many gay couples that would have good marriges if all things were equal. One type of “marriage” is allowed in all 50 states and the other isn’t.

So why do we have one side lining up to eat tons of marginal chicken product on August 1st, while the media is creating a war and trying to draw many others who would like to live peacefully as gay couples into the middle of the malstrom?

Many players and Captains in the National Hockey League are on the front lines in the You Can Play initiative who’s mission is as follows:

”You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.”

“You Can Play works to guarantee that athletes are given a fair opportunity to compete, judged by other athletes and fans alike, only by what they contribute to the sport or their team’s success.”

“You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete’s skills, work ethic and competitive spirit.”

Predators Captain Shea Weber was an early promoter of You Can Play when he shared the following video with Carey Price.

Maybe I’m in the minority of those who follow Jesus Christ but instead of having a day of protest and hate on August 1, I challenge our readers, hockey fans, and everyone else to do something positive to celebrate the day.

Go to YouCanPlayProject.org and join all those that believe in safety and equality for all on and off the ice regardless of their sexual orientation. Let’s turn a day of hate and anger into one that promotes a positive message.

Even you as "media", turn this into something it is not. You say a day of hate. Really? The gay community said they were protesting, so the "Christian" (I added the quotations for you) community decided to show support. It is not a day of hate, but the "media" all try to turn it into that.

As a Christian, I believe marriage is between a man and a woman. That doesn't mean I dislike or hate those whose gender orentiation is different from my Biblical views. God teaches us to love one another, and I firmly believe that those who are gay should not be treated different unless it conflicts with our Heavenly Father's commands. I agree that gay athletes should be judged by their athletic ability when competing and participating in sports and not their sexual preference. Just because I am a Christian and disagree with gay marriage, it does not mean I hate nor am angry with the gay community.

Buddy, thanks. When Mr. Cathy says, "We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families," he should bear in mind that not all families fit the traditional stereotype--not in this large, diverse nation we all share. Yes, some of the marriages are unions between people of the same gender. He should respect them, too. So should everyone.

Thanks for all the comments. It's a complicated issue in a changing society. It is amazing that there can be so much going back in forth over eating at a chicken shack. Jesus loves everyone regardless of who they want to marry. I just wish we could have less squaring off over issues like this that will alienate folks who really might like the opportunity to get to know a loving, non-condemning Jesus in their life. You Can Play is a great olive branch to an inclusive sports arena and locker rooms.

One of my My Other Gigs

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